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About the Trust

The Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust The Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust was launched on 11 December 1991. Its goals are to promote knowledge of, and research into, the art of Colin McCahon.

Support for the Trust Initial support for the Trust came from members of the McCahon family, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, and the National Art Gallery (now the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa). Two of McCahon’s children, William McCahon and Victoria Carr, have been trustees from the beginning. Staff from both the Auckland Art Gallery and Te Papa continue to serve as trustees, as well as providing material support to the work of the Trust.

Getting research underway A donation from the Department of Internal Affairs enabled the Trust to begin its work. Gerald Barnett was engaged to undertake the research, tracing McCahon’s works in public and private collections around the country. In this and many other tasks, the Trust has been aided by the pre-eminent McCahon scholar Gordon H. Brown. Additionally, supporters and sponsors have committed time, funds, and energy to this work, which the Trust gratefully acknowledges. These include the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa, the Rutherford Trust, Jenny Gibbs, and Alan Gibbs.

Copyright and reproduction The Trust manages the copyright reproduction permissions for the works of Colin McCahon. Fees charged are used to support the ongoing work of the Trust, including expanding the database to include newly identified works. In addition to his paintings, these include set designs for theatrical productions, jewellery designed and made by McCahon, sculptures, and furniture.